Applicant Status, Seeking Accreditation
Larkin has a deep understanding of the region’s landscape and a longstanding commitment to health that spans nearly six decades. With bold vision and unwavering dedication—true to the spirit of the Larkin lion—our institution is supported by a family legacy that has guided the inception, planning, and execution of the School of Osteopathic Medicine. As part of the Larkin family of education and health care, we are proud to continue transforming medicine, education, and community health across the region, state, nation, and beyond.
Larkin is uniquely positioned to launch a School of Osteopathic Medicine. The osteopathic philosophy emphasizes whole-person care and produces physicians who often serve in rural, underserved, and inner-city communities. Graduates go on to practice in both primary care and specialty fields, addressing the critical need for high-quality care in areas that need it most. Osteopathic medicine continues to be a top choice for students and communities alike, thanks to its mission-driven approach and strong health outcomes.
Message from the Dean
The Mission of the Larkin College of Osteopathic Medicine is to develop osteopathic physician leaders, nurtured in our community and prepared to innovate healthcare and the health care system. LCOM is closely aligned with the strategic goals of Larkin University. LCOM and LU are dedicated to education, creative productivity, humanistic supportive learning and work community and community outreach, collaboration and service.
Osteopathic philosophy is deeply ingrained in our curriculum, treating disease and seeking health. Our interest is in your ability to lead, inspire, learn and become part of a growing team of health providers in the South Miami area and the nation.
The region, state and nation need dedicated physicians who will improve the health of each person as an individual. It is not an easy path to learn medicine, to become a leader and foster community engagement. We believe in you as a future student and LCOM will be a mentor, partner and resource for your education. Your education is delivered by faculty that has proven experience and results.
As a physician you will impact thousands of patients, their families and community in your career. We are excited about the next few years on your journey to learn medicine and become an accomplished professional. You will be a physician who will recognize and treat patients for emerging diseases and restore health, lead your community to health and recognize and research impactful and emerging issues in medicine.
Larkin University’s growing post baccalaureate programs has improved the health of the region through these programs- biomedical, pharmacy, dental, PA with more programs planned. You will be nurtured as a part of an important of the team of healthcare providers.
You will also be welcomed by our strategic clinical and operational partner as a part of an integrated health system consisting of Larkin teaching hospitals and clinics with its 39 residency programs, many with fellowships.
LCOM will meet its mission of helping you change your life by creating a transformative change for the region and the nation in an impactful way that builds solutions to our current healthcare crisis.
The education you will receive will be focused on you and build on your accomplishments. You will be mentored with experienced faculty ready to bring you into the professional world of doctoring using content that will be relevant for the future of your practice. You will learn to critically think about problems, apply solutions and improve the health of the patient, family and community through a series of carefully planned lectures, early clinical experiences, research and service. An established research curriculum will be open to you and an interprofessional team of post baccalaureate peers will aid in your learning.
The faculty and physicians at the medical school and associated hospitals will guide you on your path to excellence through the difficult and challenging transition to becoming a physician. Along each step of the way, each lecture, course and year, we are prepared to assist you with your goal to change the course of a patient’s health.
Our warm family atmosphere of faculty, staff and physicians will foster the love of learning on your journey to find health for your patients and community. You will be able to execute medicine brilliantly! The Larkin family at the Jacqueline Nichole Michel College of Medicine (LCOM) will look forward to learning more about you and your goals.
Please feel free to explore our website until we are able to recruit students, and we will look forward to the time when you are applying to LCOM and learning more about you.
Sincerely,
Paula M. Gregory, DO, MBA, FACOFP,
founding Dean
Program Overview
Where future leaders learn about themselves, others and commit to serving the common good. Accessible to ALL.
Where the curious learn to take risks, experiment, and test assumptions. A transformational experience based on a new way of thinking.
Where your future is defined by the value you bring, not solely by the value you get.
Where our investment in the individual is matched by our commitment to the community.
Mission:
Larkin University is a private non-profit higher education institution focusing on master’s and doctoral level programs in health professions to empower graduates who reflect the demographics of the healthcare needs of the communities we serve.
The Mission of the Larkin College of Osteopathic Medicine – applicant status- seeking accreditation, is to develop osteopathic physician leaders, nurtured in our community and prepared to innovate healthcare and the health care system.
LCOM will not be recruiting students until pre accreditation is awarded. Please continue to review our progress!
Vision:
To become a nationally and internationally recognized university through its educational programs, research and scholarly activity, and development of solutions that promote the common good of health and society.
Core Values:
Larkin University is committed to:
- Accountability
- Community Service
- Excellence
- Integrity
- Research
Larkin Healthcare System:
Larkin Health System serves as a strategic clinical and operational partner to the College of Medicine. The partnership is designed to support the educational mission through the provision of clinical learning environments, operational services, and financial support, while preserving the University’s full academic autonomy. Larkin Community Hospital has been proudly serving South Florida since 1967 and is an accredited, integrated healthcare delivery system recognized by the Joint Commission. With locations in South Miami, Hialeah, and Hollywood, Florida, Larkin offers a full continuum of care—including inpatient and outpatient services, home health care, skilled nursing facilities, rehabilitation centers, and assisted living—across Miami-Dade and Broward Counties.
The South Miami campus is a 146-bed statutory teaching hospital, ranked as the third largest teaching hospital in Florida. It hosts 32 physician training programs and is home to several specialized centers of excellence: the Miami Neuroscience Center, the Center for Advanced Orthopedics, the Cancer Center, and the Florida Academic Dermatology Center. The Palm Springs campus in Hialeah sits on a 15-acre property and features a 247-bed acute care hospital and a seven-story medical office building. In Hollywood, Larkin Community Hospital Behavioral Health Services offers comprehensive inpatient and outpatient behavioral health care.
Larkin Health System has long been a trusted institution in both healthcare and education, with a strong history of training students, residents, and physicians under the guidance of experienced clinical faculty. Since its founding, the Larkin network has played a significant role in medical education and patient care throughout the region.
Building on this legacy, Larkin University was founded by Dr. Jack Michel in 2013 as an independent not-for-profit university to expand educational opportunities through innovative and mission-driven academic programs.
Larkin Educational System:
In a sea of sameness, Larkin is different.
Larkin University—including its College of Pharmacy, College of Physician Assistant Studies, College of Biomedical Sciences and most recently School of Dental Medicine—was born out of the Larkin Health Systems, a pioneer in healthcare delivery with a longstanding commitment to serving minority communities. These institutions were not created to follow trends or seize fleeting opportunities. Instead, they were built on a steadfast mission: to center every classroom lesson, lab experience, clinical rotation, and research initiative around the needs of patients and the greater good.
Discover what our Colleges and Programs have to offer, and how our innovative, team-based, and collaborative approach to education prepares students to meet the demands of today’s healthcare system.
Our Strategic clinical and operational partner, Larkin Health System, also sponsors over 48 residency programs, with the first launched in July 2012. Since then, many graduates have gone on to serve communities across the region and the nation with compassion and excellence.
In addition, Larkin Health System and Larkin University collaborate with other medical schools to train students and residents, working together to improve healthcare outcomes for both local communities and the country as a whole.
Research and Innovation:
Larkin’s research initiatives are innovative, rigorous, and grounded in critical thinking across all levels of education. Our programs emphasize collaboration, support, and the development of forward-thinking strategies. With a strong focus on serving both local communities and global health needs, research at Larkin continues to demonstrate the depth and caliber of our University as well as the healthcare system.
Larkin’s Commitment to Osteopathic Medicine:
Larkin’s longstanding commitment to regional health—through its vibrant university, expansive residency programs, and forward-thinking research—has made a lasting impact on both national and global healthcare and education.
At its core, osteopathic medicine embraces a philosophy focused on promoting health while addressing disease. This approach is rooted in whole-person care and prepares physicians to serve diverse populations. As a result, many osteopathic physicians—whether in general practice or specialty fields—choose to work in medically underserved communities where they are needed most.
Florida, with a population of 23,372,215 in 2024, has the highest percentage of residents over the age of 65 (17.3%) and ranks 8th in having the fewest people under 18 (21.9%). The state is also experiencing a flat birth rate. Its population is highly diverse, comprising 51.5% non-Hispanic white, 26.6% Hispanic/Latino, 14.5% African American, 4% Native American, and 2.3% Asian residents (U.S. Census data). However, physician demographics in Florida do not yet reflect this diversity: only 0.1% are Native American, 5.6% are Black, 17.9% Hispanic, 7.53% Asian, and 54.2% White.
This mismatch highlights the urgent need for a more representative healthcare workforce—something Larkin is uniquely positioned to help address through its inclusive, mission-driven training and education programs.
The City of South Miami and South Florida:
According to FloridaTracking.com, the Miami-Dade area reports the highest incidence rates in the state for several types of cancer, including breast, lung, liver, pancreatic, and kidney (renal) cancers.
South Florida—particularly areas like Homestead—is experiencing rapid population growth. In Homestead, 80.5% of residents are U.S. citizens, and 44.9% are homeowners. The region is seeing an influx of both young families and aging adults, contributing to shifting healthcare needs across generations.
Florida is projected to face a shortage of 5,974 physicians by 2035, according to FloridaHealth.gov. At the same time, census data shows significant growth in the 55+ age group. Older adults often live with multiple chronic conditions, increasing the demand for consistent, high-quality medical care. Currently, 60% of Floridians live with at least one chronic illness, and 40% live with two or more.
To manage these conditions effectively, patients need regular access to physicians and preventive care. However, less than 2% of Florida’s physicians currently serve in rural or direct care roles in the South Florida region—creating a critical gap in healthcare access.
South Florida includes six rural counties—Hardee, DeSoto, Highlands, Okeechobee, Glades, and Hendry—that have historically relied on dedicated hospitals and physician practices to meet community needs. Strengthening healthcare education and physician placement in these areas remains vital to ensuring equitable care across the region.
Violations of Non-Discrimination Policy:
All members of the Larkin College of Osteopathic Medicine community should be aware that the COM is concerned about discrimination, harassment, and retaliation and is prepared to take action to prevent and correct such behavior. Individuals who engage in such behavior are subject to discipline, up to and including termination or dismissal/expulsion.
Information concerning an allegation of discrimination, harassment and/or retaliation will be handled in a confidential manner insofar as possible. Any employee or agent of the COM who receives a complaint of discrimination, harassment and/or retaliation or who otherwise learns of the occurrence of harassment has the responsibility to take prompt steps to ensure that the matter is addressed, even if the complainant refuses to be identified.
COM supervisory personnel have a responsibility and are required to discourage and eliminate conduct inconsistent with this policy. Supervisors are required to report any occurrence of discrimination, harassment, and retaliation they are aware of. Depending on the circumstances, the person against whom the complaint has been made may be placed on administrative leave pending investigation.
Concerns about violation of the non-discrimination policy should initially be addressed to the Title IX coordinator. If the issue is determined to be a potential violation under Title IX law, it will be addressed through the proper legal process. If the incident is deemed to not fall under the Title IX process it will be handled in one of the following ways:
1. Issues involving a STUDENT will be referred to the Student Performance Committee and addressed as a violation of LCOM Professionalism Policies
2. Issues involving a FACULTY member will be referred to the Department Chair who will address these with guidance from Human Resources.
3. Issues involving a STAFF member will be referred to Human Resources.
Appropriate remedial action will be taken depending upon the outcome of the investigation. No employee or student will be retaliated against for making a complaint, for bringing inappropriate conduct to the attention of management, or for participating in any investigation or hearing.
Code of ethics policy
Policy Number: COM1.3e
Effective Date: 02 September 2025
Approved by: P. Gregory, DO, MBA, Dean & CAO
PURPOSE
Guide all students, faculty and staff on the code of conduct.
SCOPE
This policy applies to all Larkin College of Osteopathic Medicine students, faculty and staff, it incorporates the Larkin University Code of Ethical Conduct as well as the AOA Code of Ethics, as follows:
This policy incorporates the Larkin University Code of Ethical Conduct as well as the AOA Code of Ethics, as follows:
- Be guided by a deep conviction of the worth and dignity of all human life;
- Pursue the advancement of knowledge and recognize the special responsibilities placed upon me;
- Adhere to the policies and procedures of the COM in all matters;
- Seek and communicate truth;
- Promote student learning and pursue excellence and innovation in medical education;
- Promote scholarly competence and integrity;
- Practice intellectual honesty in teaching, scholarly activities, research and relationships with commercial entities;
- Protect the academic freedom of students and will acknowledge significant academic or scholarly assistance from students;
- Uphold the scholarly and ethical standards of my discipline;
- Promote scholarly activity by faculty and students;
- Demonstrate respect for all individuals and adhere to proper roles as intellectual guides and counselors;
- Foster honest academic conduct and ensure student evaluations reflect the student’s true merit;
- Promote appropriate interaction between students and faculty, students and administration, and students and staff;
- Avoid any exploitation, harassment, or discriminatory treatment of students or coworkers;
- Respect and defend the free inquiry of associates’ exchange of ideas and show respect for the opinions of others; Seek to be an effective teacher and scholar;
- Give due regard to the paramount responsibilities within the institution in determining the amount and character of work done outside it.
All LCOM employees have the rights and obligations of other citizens and measure the urgency of these obligations in the light of responsibilities to colleagues, to students, to their profession, and to the institution. When LCOM employees speak or act as private persons, they should avoid creating the impression of speaking or acting for the college. As citizens engaged in a profession that depends upon freedom for its health and integrity, employees have a particular obligation to promote conditions of free inquiry and to further public understanding of academic freedom. This statement is patterned after the American Association of University Professors Statement on Ethics and has been formatted to reflect Larkin College of Osteopathic Medicine expectations.
The American Osteopathic Association (AOA) Code of Ethics is a document that applies to all physicians who practice osteopathically throughout the continuum of their careers, from enrollment in osteopathic medical college/school through post graduate training and the practice of osteopathic medicine. It embodies principles that serve as a guide to the prudent physician. It seeks to transcend the economic, political, and religious biases, when dealing with patients, fellow physicians, and society. It is flexible in nature in order to permit the AOA to consider all circumstances, both anticipated and unanticipated. The physician/patient relationship and the professionalism of the physician are the basis for this document. The AOA has formulated this Code to guide its member physicians in their professional lives. The standards presented are designed to address the osteopathic physician’s ethical and professional responsibilities to patients, to society, to the AOA, to others involved in health care and to self. Further, the AOA has adopted the position that physicians should play a major role in the development and instruction of medical ethics.
All Larkin College of Osteopathic Medicine Board Members, Faculty, Staff, and Students shall adhere to the entire AOA Code of Ethics as found on the website of the AOA: www.osteopathic.org.
The American Osteopathic Association (AOA) Code of Ethics is a document that applies to all physicians who practice osteopathically throughout the continuum of their careers, from enrollment in osteopathic medical college/school through post graduate training and the practice of osteopathic medicine. It embodies principles that serve as a guide to the prudent physician. It seeks to transcend the economic, political, and religious biases, when dealing with patients, fellow physicians, and society. It is flexible in nature in order to permit the AOA to consider all circumstances, both anticipated and unanticipated. The physician/patient relationship and the professionalism of the physician are the basis for this document. The AOA has formulated this Code to guide its member physicians in their professional lives. The standards presented are designed to address the osteopathic and allopathic physician’s ethical and professional responsibilities to patients, to society, to the AOA, to others involved in health care and to self. Further, the AOA has adopted the position that physicians should play a major role in the development and instruction of medical ethics.
Section 1
The physician shall keep in confidence whatever she/he may learn about a patient in the discharge of professional duties. Information shall be divulged by the physician when required by law or when authorized by the patient.
Section 2
The physician shall give a candid account of the patient’s condition to the patient or to those responsible for the patient’s care.
Section 3
A physician-patient relationship must be founded on mutual trust, cooperation, and respect. The patient, therefore, must have complete freedom to choose her/his physician. The physician must have complete freedom to choose patients whom she/he will serve. However, the physician should not refuse to accept patients for reasons of discrimination, including, but not limited to, the patient’s race, creed, color, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, or disability. In emergencies, a physician should make her/his services available.
Section 4
A physician is never justified in abandoning a patient. The physician shall give due notice to a patient or to those responsible for the patient’s care when she/he withdraws from the case so that another physician may be engaged.
Section 5
A physician should make a reasonable effort to partner with patients to promote their health and shall practice in accordance with the body of systematized and scientific knowledge related to the healing arts. A physician shall maintain competence in such systematized and scientific knowledge through study and clinical applications.
Section 6
The osteopathic medical profession has an obligation to society to maintain its high standards and, therefore, to continuously regulate itself. A substantial part of such regulation is due to the efforts and influence of the recognized local, state, and national associations representing the osteopathic medical profession. A physician should maintain membership in and actively support such associations and abide by their rules and regulations.
Section 7
Under the law a physician may advertise, but no physician shall advertise or solicit patients directly or indirectly through the use of matters or activities which are false or misleading.
Section 8
A physician shall not hold forth or indicate possession of any degree recognized as the basis for licensure to practice the healing arts unless she/he is actually licensed on the basis of that degree in the state or other jurisdiction in which she/he practices. A physician shall designate her/his osteopathic or allopathic credentials in all professional uses of her/his name. Indications of specialty practice, membership in professional societies, and related matters shall be governed by rules promulgated by the American Osteopathic Association.
Section 9
A physician should not hesitate to seek consultation whenever she/he believes it is in the best interest of the patient.
Section 10
In any dispute between or among physicians involving ethical or organizational matters, the matter in controversy should first be referred to the appropriate arbitrating bodies of the profession.
Section 11
In any dispute between or among physicians regarding the diagnosis and treatment of a patient, the attending physician has the responsibility for final decisions, consistent with any applicable hospital rules or regulations.
Section 12
Any fee charged by a physician shall compensate the physician for services actually rendered. There shall be no division of professional fees for referrals of patients.
Section 13
A physician shall respect the law. When necessary, a physician shall attempt to help to formulate the law by all proper means in order to improve patient care and public health.
Section 14
In addition to adhering to the foregoing ethical standards, a physician shall recognize a responsibility to participate in community activities and services.
Section 15
It is considered sexual misconduct for a physician to have sexual contact with any patient with whom a physician-patient relationship currently exists.
Section 16
Sexual harassment by a physician is considered unethical. Sexual harassment is defined as physical or verbal intimation of a sexual nature involving a colleague or subordinate in the workplace or academic setting, when such conduct creates an unreasonable, intimidating, hostile or offensive workplace or academic setting.
Section 17
From time to time, industry may provide some AOA members with gifts as an inducement to use their products or services. Members who use these products and services as a result of these gifts, rather than simply for the betterment of their patients and the improvement of the care rendered in their practices, shall be considered to have acted in an unethical manner.
Section 18
A physician shall not intentionally misrepresent himself/herself or his/ her research work in any way.
Section 19
When participating in research, a physician shall follow the current laws, regulations and standards of the United States or, if the research is conducted outside the United States, the laws, regulations and standards applicable to research in the nation where the research is conducted.
This standard shall apply for physician involvement in research at any level and degree of responsibility, including, but not limited to, research, design, funding, participation either as examining and/or treating provider, supervision of other staff in their research, analysis of data and publication of results in any form for any purpose.
Professionalism Policy
Policy Number: COM5.1
Effective Date: 02 September 2025
Approved by: P. Gregory, DO, MBA, Dean & CAO
Larkin College of Osteopathic Medicine (LCOM) believes in a learning and working environment of professionalism. Furthermore, LCOM believes in the Eight Tenets of Professionalism:
- Altruism
- Compassion
- Accountability
- Social Responsibility
- Integrity
- Respect
- Cultural humility
- Kindness
Code of Professional Conduct
There are various forms of inappropriate behavior. Below is not an exhaustive list but are clear examples of behaviors that are prohibited by all faculty, staff, and students. In addition to this list, other behaviors may be deemed inappropriate by administration and/or the Student Progress Committee:
- Dishonesty
- Abusive behavior and harassment
- Disruptive behavior
- Behaviors that are illegal
- Failure to disclose arrests or unlawful conduct within 48 hours
- Willful patient harm or neglect
- Violation of confidentiality
- Disrespectful behavior
- Malfeasance
- Racism
- Gender discrimination
- Complacency with unprofessional behavior
- Reporting to school or duty under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs
- Trespassing
- Stealing
- Inappropriate sexual behaviors
- Sexual harassment
Faculty and staff who violate the Code of Professional Conduct will be subject to action by administration through processes described in the Faculty and/or Staff Handbooks. Students who violate the Code of Professional Conduct will be subject to action through the Student Progress Committee (SPC).
Student Progress Committee (SPC)
The SPC, in conjunction with the Office of Academic Affairs, monitors the academic progress achieved by students throughout the academic program.
The SPC meets at the end of the semester in which a student has failed to successfully remediate an F, failed a course while on Academic Probation, when a delay in a student’s academic progress is identified, or when deemed necessary.
Additionally, the SPC is responsible for the review of situations where students are involved in academic misconduct (i.e., cheating or plagiarism) or nonprofessional conduct. The LCOM Honor Code published in the Student Catalog guides this review.
The SPC is composed of following voting members:
- Associate Dean of Student Affairs
- Associate Dean for Preclinical Education
- Associate Dean of Clinical Education
- Primary Care Clinical Faculty Member (1)
- Specialty Clinical Faculty Member (1)
- Biomedical Sciences Faculty Member (1)
The Dean appoints the faculty members. A quorum is defined as a simple majority of members present in person or by teleconference.
Any LCOM faculty or staff providing health services, via a therapeutic relationship, must recuse him/herself from the SPC if a student who is receiving these services is to be discussed by the committee. The employee must not be involved in any discussion or decision made by the committee. The employees must also recuse themselves from the assessment or promotion of the said student.
The committee chair, with approval of the Dean, may invite non-voting members to attend. As this is not considered a legal hearing and is instead an academic proceeding, attorneys or other representatives are not allowed.
SPC Procedures for Academic Performance Matters
Members of the Committee have the following roles:
- The appropriate Associate Dean for the academic year involved reports on the academic progress of the student(s), as
- The Associate Dean may submit a written report documenting assistance that the student has received or been offered
- The Course Director, Department Chair, and/or the students’ Faculty Advisor may be asked by the SPC to comment on student performance and related topics, as
- The Associate Dean Student Affairs may report on documentation that the Office of Student Affairs may have which may be relevant to the student’s academic progress. The Registrar, if required, provides the student’s entire academic record available (course evaluations, performance assessments and the student’s transcript) for the members to reference if
- The Administrative Associate to the Associate Dean Student Affairs will serve as the secretary recording minutes and ensuring all communication occurs in a timely
- Each student reviewed by the SPC is given the opportunity to make a maximum ten- minute presentation of any issues or considerations that they wish to make known to the SPC. Members of the SPC may then direct questions to the student. This is the only portion of the meeting at which the student may be physically
- For issues arising from Honor Code violations, the Associate Dean Student Affairs reports on documentation that the Office of Student Affairs may have which may be relevant to the alleged violation of the Honor Code. This may include a verbal report from faculty involved with the incident(s). In the case where students are involved with reporting the breach, confidentiality of the reporting student is always maintained, and the Associate Dean Student Affairs represents the student’s testimony.
For students deemed to not be making academic progress, including multiple grades in the I or IP range over one semester or an F grade, following deliberations the SPC may make recommendations including but not limited to the following for final action by the Dean:
- Award of a satisfactory grade (70%) and promotion to the next semester following satisfactory remediation
- Require remediation, further coursework, or repeat of a course
- Require one or more additional clinical rotations with satisfactory performance
- Place, not place, or extend the student’s term on academic probation
- Require more frequent meetings with faculty advisors with those students on academic probation
- Specify a timeline or manner in which any remediation must
- Make a determination for dismissal or repeat of academic
- Request further assessment prior to making sure the student has the ability to make satisfactory progress to become an osteopathic physician including but not limited to: psychological evaluations, drug or alcohol screening / testing, or other evaluations. Such testing is at the student’s
- Suspend with reinstatement pending satisfactory
- Suspend with reinstatement decisions pending further evaluation and
- Repeat of multiple courses in which the student initially earned a F grade,
- Repeat of an entire academic year, or
- Assign a Modified Course of Study that may delay promotion until satisfactory a progress through a directed remediation program has occurred, or
The SPC may recommend dismissal of a student when the student demonstrates that he/she is unable to make academic progress through:
- Three course or rotation failures on one academic
- An F grade on a modified course of study
- Four cumulative course or rotation across all four
- Failure of two or more clinical rotations in one academic year
- Failure to pass any courses while on Academic Probation
- Failure and cumulative evidence that demonstrate the student is not gaining the appropriate knowledge and/or qualifications to become an osteopathic physician
- Any other issues deemed
The SPC chair notifies the student of the outcome of the SPC meeting and any sanctions if applicable. Upon notification, the student may appeal the decision in writing to the Dean within seven (7) calendar days of notification. The appeal should be based upon new and relevant information. The Dean normally replies within 14 working days of receiving the written appeal. If the student does not appeal within seven (7) calendar days of notification, the SPC recommendation is to be final.
The Dean does not meet with the student prior to receiving the written appeal material. In the case of an appeal, the student may appeal to the Dean based only upon new and meaningful information not available to the SPC. The Dean’s decision is final.
SPC Procedures for Non-Academic Matters
Charges of misconduct may arise from a student (or group of students), professor, adjunct professor or preceptor. Within three (3) days of the alleged misconduct or discovery of alleged misconduct, the accuser(s) should discuss the situation with the Associate Dean Student Affairs. Dated and detailed notes should be taken to describe the discussion. Every effort should be made to maintain confidentiality in these discussions.
All instances of suspected misconduct by a student must initially be reported through the Office of Student Affairs. The Dean is advised and constitutes an ad hoc committee to investigate the charges.
The ad hoc committee investigates the charges and reports back to the Dean in a timely manner. Whenever possible, the investigation should include a personal interview with the student(s), witnesses and others, as necessary. If the student(s) admits to the charges, the Dean may either render adjudication directly or refer the case to the SPC for resolution. If the student(s) does not admit to the charges, the case is referred to the SPC for review.
The Chair of the SPC notifies the accused student(s) and schedules a hearing with the Committee. This hearing typically is held within ten (10) days of the referral of the case to the Committee.
Findings of the investigation is presented by the ad hoc committee to the SPC at the hearing. The accused student(s) meets with the SPC and be informed of the allegations and afforded an opportunity to defend him/herself. Although the hearing’s purpose is fact-finding, the accused student(s) have the right to solicit advice and to offer witnesses to support his/her position.
All sessions of the Committee are closed to all individuals except those immediately concerned in the case. No attorney is present, as this is not a legal proceeding. All persons present at the proceedings are bound to disclose no more than the Committee does in its official report on the case.
Revelation of such details is considered a violation of the Honor Code. The testimony of each witness is given while the other witnesses in the case are out of the room.
The Committee may allow introduction of evidence other than testimony of witnesses provided that the evidence is relevant to the question before the Committee on any matter. The Committee sets rules for the conduct of all cases and all arrangements connected with taking evidence. Timeframes for investigation of hearings and proceedings may be altered if circumstances warrant.
Rights of the Student
With respect to violation of the student Honor Code, a student of LCOM is guaranteed the following rights:
- The right to a prompt hearing
- The right to a reasonable amount of time to prepare for his/her hearing
- The right of being presumed innocent until proven guilty
- The right to solicit advice
- The right to appeal
- The right to expect that Student Affairs deal with his/her case in a confidential manner
Deliberation of the Committee takes place in private and remain confidential. Voting on decisions of whether misconduct has occurred is by secret ballot and determined by a simple majority. If the Committee determines that the student was in violation of the Honor Code, it considers and renders an appropriate sanction included but not limited to:
- Admonition: This consists of a verbal or written warning. Admonitions do not become a part of the student’s longitudinal record and may not be reviewed or appealed by the student.
- Ineligibility for election and/or removal from student office or organizational office for specified period of
- Withholding of official transcript, barring re-admission to LCOM, and/or blocking a student from enrolling for a specified period of
- Restitution, whether monetary or by specific duties, or reimbursement for damages to or misappropriation of LCOM student, staff, or faculty
- Academic Sanctions: Writing a paper, reduction of grade on an examination, assignment, or course; repetition of a course(s); being assigned additional clinic or laboratory activities or coursework; repeating of an exam, coursework, or even an entire academic year or semester or other appropriate
- Conduct Probation: A penalty levied for a specific time, the duration of which is determined by the seriousness of the circumstances. It carries with it a warning that any further violations of LCOM regulations result in more serious disciplinary action. Conduct probation is removed from the student’s longitudinal record in the Office of Student
The SPC may also recommend to the Dean, Disciplinary Probation or Suspension of a student.
- Disciplinary Probation: A penalty for a definite period determined by the circumstances of the case. This is the most severe penalty under which a student may remain at LCOM. Disciplinary Probation may result in a warning that further violations may be cause for disciplinary suspension or expulsion. A record of the disciplinary probation remains a part of the student’s longitudinal record in the Office of Student
- Suspension: This penalty may be imposed for continued and/or flagrant violation of the disciplinary probation terms, or it may be imposed directly in first offense cases that warrant such action. In the case of suspension, the student is barred from all campus and non-campus
The SPC Chair notifies the student of the outcome of the SPC meeting and any sanctions if applicable. Upon notification, the student may accept the decision by signing the notification letter or may appeal the decision in writing to the Dean within seven (7) calendar days of notification. The appeal should be based upon new and relevant information. The Dean will normally reply within 14 working days of receiving the written appeal. If the student does not appeal within seven (7) calendar days of notification, the SPC recommendation is final.
The Dean will not meet with the student prior to receiving the written appeal material. In the case of an appeal, the student may appeal to the Dean based only upon new and meaningful information not available to the SPC. The Dean’s decision is final.
Penalties for violation of institutional policies or rules and regulations may be administered regardless of whether the actions of the student are also civil or criminal violations. Whenever disciplinary actions lead to the student leaving LCOM, grades are assigned in accordance with the LCOM grading policy.
- Withdrawal: Withdrawal is administrative removal of a student from a class or from LCOM and may be imposed in instances of unmet financial obligation to LCOM. The withdrawn student may also be barred from re-enrollment until such time as specific conditions have been
- Dismissal: Dismissal is permanent severance from
- Revocation of Degree: The revocation of degree may occur for discovered misconduct of prior students. Allegations of misconduct, which may result in a revocation of a granted degree, is considered by the
All minutes and evidence are maintained by the Office of Student Services and the Dean.
A Link to this policy will be found on the LCOM Website
Clinical preceptor application form
Use the link below to apply as an LCOM clinical preceptor and submit the required information.
LCOM Preceptor Application Form: https://form.jotform.com/251596755135162
FAQs
The proposed Larkin College of Osteopathic Medicine – applicant status, seeking accreditation. Will not be able to recruit students- We wanted you to know about us.
Four-year medical school that teaches Osteopathic exam, treatment and principles accredited by SOC-CRC and seeking accreditation from the AOA COCA
There are not enough physicians to take care of the population and estimates of shortage require that we need to train more physicians, current medical school projections show that the deficit will persist even with the excellent training that is currently done. Current medical schools in the United States are working to fill this gap and there continue to be a desperate need for physicians.
By 2030 we will be experiencing a deficit of physicians 125, 000 physicians. With the new schools some estimates take that to ….
South Florida area has a growing population that will need accomplished physicians. Inner city marginalized populations and rural areas are underserved.
Before it became South Miami, the area was originally known as the community of Larkins (or Larkin’s), named after its early settler and first postmaster, Wilson A. Larkins. He established a post office and general store there in the late 1890s, and the surrounding settlement took his name as it grew around these early establishments. The former City of Larkin, now South Miami is where it all started, first with Larkin Community Hospital, later with Larkin University.
Larkin University, founded in 2013, is a private not-for-profit university and offers post baccalaureate program, professional and doctoral programs educating other health professionals to work collaboratively for the health of the area, state and nation. Current programs are a dental school, pharmacy, biomedical and PA school. The College of Medicine is established as an academically independent unit of the University. The University retains sole authority over all academic matters, including curriculum design, admissions, student assessment, promotion and graduation decisions, faculty appointment and evaluation, and compliance with accreditation standards.
Larkin Health System serves as a strategic clinical and operational partner to the College of Medicine. The Larkin system consists of three educational hospitals that have been training residents since 2013 and host many students each year for clinical rotations. Larkin also has 48 and growing GME programs, associations with many of the training hospitals in the region and are uniquely positioned to educate students for the future.
· Our faculty from accomplished long standing teaching hospitals and universities and are expert in their fields
· Integrated classes with team teaching
· Longitudinal early clinical experience
· Link to GME programs with many fellowships in established teaching hospitals
· Collaborative experience with Larkin University ‘s growing post baccalaureate programs- including dental, pharmacy, PA, biomedical
· Associated clinical teaching sites with residents in multiple specialties
· Global research opportunities with project 11, a collaborative experience and a community-based research project that focuses on the needs of patients.
· Longstanding associations with physicians and alumni from the Larkin hospital systems for mentoring, teaching and advising.
The Larkin College of Osteopathic Medicine curriculum is aligned with the American Osteopathic Association (AOA) Seven Osteopathic
Core Competencies for Medical Students. Under each of these competency domains, there are measurable curricular goals which, upon student attainment and completion, indicate competence in the domain. These curricular goals broadly shape and define the courses & clerkships within the 4-year LCOM curriculum. For each curricular goal, there are accompanying learning activities, whose purpose is to help students achieve the goal and learn course content. Each learning activity is guided by a set of specific, measurable learning objectives that state what the student will accomplish during the activity.
I.
Osteopathic Principles & Practices:
Graduates
must demonstrate knowledge of osteopathic principles and practice (OPP), and
they must exhibit and apply knowledge of somatic dysfunction diagnosis and
osteopathic manipulative treatment (OMT) in clinical settings.
II.
Clinical Skills & Osteopathic Patient
Care:
Graduates
must demonstrate effective use of motor and cognitive skills in diagnosis,
management and prevention of common health problems encountered in patient care
within a variety of clinical settings and across the lifespan.
III.
Medical Knowledge:
Graduates
must demonstrate knowledge and application of osteopathic, biomedical,
clinical, epidemiological, biomechanical, social and behavioral sciences in the
context of patient-centered care.
IV.
Professionalism:
Graduates
must demonstrate through knowledge, behavior and attitudes, a commitment to the
highest standards of competence, ethics, integrity, and accountability to
patients, society and the osteopathic profession.
V.
Interpersonal and Communication Skills:
Graduates
must demonstrate the knowledge, behaviors and attitudes that facilitate
accurate and efficient information gathering, empathetic rapport building, and
effective information giving in interactions with patients, their families and
colleagues of the interprofessional health care team.
VI.
Practice-Based Learning and Improvement:
Graduates
must demonstrate the ability to apply scientific theory and methodology and
exhibit the critical thinking skills essential for integrating evidence-based
principles and practice into patient care.
VII.
Systems-Based Practice:
Graduates
must demonstrate awareness of and responsiveness to the larger context and
systems of health care and effectively identify system resources to advocate
for and maximize the health of the individual and the community or population
at large.
in honor and loving memory of Jacqueline Nicole Michel (2007–2025), a bright and compassionate young woman who touched the lives of all those around her, the Board of Trustees of Larkin University, with the full support of the President’s Council, faculty, students, and staff, and in close consultation with the Michel family, has unanimously resolved to name the medical school the: Jacqueline Nicole Michel College of Osteopathic Medicine.
Jacqueline Nicole Michel was the beloved daughter of Dr. Jack J. Michel, founder of Larkin University, her mother Ms. Mary Michel, her stepmother Alba Lucia Michel, and her siblings John, Thomas, Stephen, Annie, and Chiara. As a freshman at the University of Central Florida, Jacqueline was pursuing a degree in Pre-Veterinary Medicine, driven by a lifelong love for animals and a deep sense of responsibility for the well-being of others. She was a passionate advocate for women, minorities, and marginalized communities and devoted her time to both global and local causes.
Jacqueline volunteered at Parkway Middle School, mentoring and guiding younger students, and consistently demonstrated empathy, courage, and service in all aspects of her life. In memoriam of her the City of Lauderhill proclaimed her Birthday, January 12th, “Jaqueline Nicole Michel Day”.
Jacqueline leaves behind an enduring legacy of kindness, compassion, and advocacy. It is a profound honor that the Jacqueline Nicole Michel College of Osteopathic Medicine will be the first Osteopathic College of Medicine in the United States named after a woman.
Larkin University hopes that the principles and values that defined Jacqueline’s character will be exemplified by every future physician educated within its walls.
The proposed Larkin College of Osteopathic Medicine – applicant status- seeking accreditation, believes in integrity and transparency. It is the policy of the College of Medicine (COM) that all public information is/will be presented in an accurate, fair, and complete manner. This applies to all printed information as well as content appearing on the website and content posted by the COM to social media platforms.
Any stakeholder may contact the Commission on
Osteopathic College Accreditation (COCA) directly. Contact information for the COCA is:
Commission on Osteopathic College Accreditation
American Osteopathic Association
142 E. Ontario
Chicago, IL 60611
Phone: (312) 202-8124
